Investigation after Khelif case: Boxing authority verifies sex verification tests - Following the Khelif affair, the boxing association announced forthcoming gender tests.
World Boxing Introduces Mandatory Gender Tests for Female Boxers
In a move aimed at ensuring fair competition and preserving the integrity of women's boxing, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has introduced mandatory gender tests for all female boxers competing in the World Cup in Liverpool from September 4 to 14.
The new guidelines, which came into effect in August 2025, require all women aged over 18 to undergo a PCR genetic test to determine their gender at birth before they can compete. This decision was made in response to the controversy that erupted at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, both of whom won gold, were subjects of gender-based eligibility disputes.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) had disqualified both Khelif and Lin from the 2023 World Championships due to findings of XY chromosomes, asserting an unfair advantage presumed from their genetic profiles. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared these athletes to compete at Paris based on other eligibility criteria like passports and medical records, creating conflicting standards and widespread controversy.
In response to these inconsistencies, the WBA established the new compulsory gender testing policy. Boxer Lin Yu-ting has confirmed she will comply with the requirement to participate in Liverpool, while Imane Khelif has been barred from competition until she undergoes tests proving the absence of the Y chromosome.
The new WBA rule marks a stricter approach compared to the IOC stance, emphasizing genetic confirmation of sex to maintain fairness in women's boxing competitions. The tests can be a PCR test or a functional, medically equivalent genetic screening test. The guidelines were developed by a working group consisting of members from the medical department and the anti-doping committee within WBA.
The WBA's decision to implement these tests is aimed at ensuring the safety of all participants and creating equal competition conditions for both men and women. The outcome of whether Imane Khelif will undergo the gender test or potentially challenge the decision remains uncertain.
The new guidelines are effective immediately for athletes over 18 years old. The WBA issued a press release explaining these new guidelines, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring fair competition in the World Cup. The WBA is also set to take over the organization for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The debate surrounding Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan at the Paris Summer Games had a sociopolitical dimension, with some critics arguing that the IBA's decision was driven by political considerations rather than a genuine concern for fairness. The IOC recognized the WBA as a partner in February, responsible for the boxing tournaments in Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2021 after the IBA's suspension. The IOC deemed the IBA's decision as arbitrary and without proper procedure.
In conclusion, the WBA's new gender testing policy is a significant step towards ensuring fair competition in women's boxing. By implementing these tests, the WBA hopes to prevent any future controversies and maintain the integrity of the sport.
